GoodHealthMD.com

Controlling Stroke Risk

According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this year. It remains the third highest cause of death in the United States, and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability. You can help protect yourself from stroke by controlling your blood pressure (through lifestyle changes or medication), getting regular exercise, managing diabetes and cholesterol levels, and following a diet designed for those with high blood pressure and heart disease. Calcium and magnesium may also be beneficial - these minerals are useful in controlling high blood pressure, one of the strongest risk factors for stroke.